Substance abuse is a multifaceted disease with diverse risk factors. For example, we know that the children of addicts are more likely to struggle with substance abuse as they get older. Both genetics and our environment shape our risk for dependency, as well as how we approach and respond to addiction.

In particular, childhood trauma plays a significant role in an individual’s risk for addiction. And while genetics are certainly a key factor, the origins of addiction are usually found in a specific, emotional root cause. Recognizing how both of these factors play into addiction is essential to making a healthy recovery.

Defining Childhood Trauma

When most think of the term “trauma,” they often associate it with physical, mental or emotional abuse. While these are accurate examples, there are many ways that we as human beings can experience trauma. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines trauma as any stress that causes a physical or emotional harm “from which you cannot remove yourself.” Trauma is different for every person, and is contingent on a person’s internal beliefs and sensitivity to stress. In other words, a therapist or friend can’t deem an experience traumatic – trauma is in the eye of the beholder.

Trauma can result from physical abuse or injury, but it can also be associated with any frightening or painful experience. A sudden life change, such as divorce or death of a loved one, is an example of childhood trauma. Traumatic experiences may also come in the form of bullying, being in a car accident, body image issues or growing up in a poverty-stricken environment. Research shows us that these traumatic life events can increase one’s risk of experiencing long-term mental health problems like addiction.

Research Connects Childhood Trauma and Addiction

A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research confirms what mental health professionals have long theorized: a childhood history of abuse or trauma is common among people who struggle with alcoholism and is likely a factor in the development of alcohol use disorders in adults. The study found that childhood abuse is also linked to increased risks for depression, suicide and anxiety disorders.

The study also revealed that approximately 8.4% of the general population has experienced physical abuse. Compare those results to the percentage of individuals undergoing alcohol abuse treatment: Nearly 24% of men and 33% of women in alcohol treatment report experiencing physical abuse.

Similarly, just 6% of the general population reports being victimized by sexual abuse. Over 12% of men and 49% of women in recovery, however, also report a history of sexual abuse. It’s important to note that childhood abuse and neglect is usually underreported, meaning the reality of these heartbreaking trends is even direr.

Additional Evidence Connecting Trauma and Addiction

This study is only the latest entry to a large and comprehensive body of evidence that suggests trauma and addiction are related. Another study of children who attended school near Ground Zero was more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol based on the number of trauma-related factors they experience (for example, fearing for their life or knowing someone who died). The study suggests a clear association: children with three or more trauma exposure factors were 19 times more likely to increase their use of alcohol and drugs.

Another recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found teens who were maltreated in childhood were more likely to develop a psychiatric or substance abuse disorder. Of the 19 maltreated children who participated in the study, five developed major depression and four developed a substance abuse disorder over the three-and-a-half-year observation period.

Treating Childhood Trauma and Addiction

Research emphasizes the need to take a dual diagnosis approach to treating co-occurring substance abuse disorders and mental illness. The effective intervention of substance abuse requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and addressing the root cause of addiction is essential in recovery. To live a healthy and productive life, adults struggling with substance abuse must recognize how childhood trauma plays an important role. At Maryland Recovery, we believe effective treatment lies in treating past trauma and the addiction simultaneously. The holistic approach to addiction recovery aims to heal the entire person: mind, body and soul.

Read More on the Dangers of Opioid Addiction in Babies:

Opioid Addicted Babies

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Substance abuse is a national epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addiction is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, claiming more lives than car accidents each year. Opioid abuse is driving the epidemic, with heroin deaths reaching an all-time high in 2015. Across the nation, states are scrambling to contain the epidemic and reduce the number of opioid-related deaths.

At Maryland Recovery, we’ve seen the devastation of this epidemic firsthand. In fact, the state of Maryland has fared far worse than most. Last year, more than 1,200 friends and family members lost their lives to opioid overdoses, prompting Governor Larry Hogan to declare a state of emergency.

Combating the Opioid Health Crisis

Hogan recently made the announcement through an executive order, declaring an official State of Emergency to address the heroin, fentanyl and opioid health crisis that is ravaging cities and suburbs alike. The order initiates the governor’s emergency management authorities and will work to accelerate coordination efforts between state-level and local operations. It also allocates $50 million in funding to combat the health crisis and appoints a senior emergency management adviser to take lead on the case.

The declaration came as a result of findings from the Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC), which was established in January 2017 to create better collaboration between state agencies. Soon after its founding, the OOCC made it clear that the state required more flexibility and less red tape to coordinate emergency teams throughout the state. By signing the executive order, Hogan allows both public and private entities to speed up the care process and ensure community-wide engagement.

State Legislature Introduces New Bills

In addition to the executive order, lawmakers are rushing to pass several new bills before the end of the 2017 legislative session. In a bipartisan effort, Republican leader Hogan has joined forces with the Democratic majority legislature to introduce 30 bills related to the opioid crisis. Two of the most dramatic pieces of legislation are scheduled to come to the floor for a vote in the near future:

The HOPE Act

The first of these measures that will come to the floor is called the HOPE Act, and it aims to open at least 10 new treatment centers throughout the state. It will require the state government to increase its reimbursement rates to substance abuse clinics. It would also require that the next fiscal budget includes an additional $2 billion to expand drug court programs, including rehabilitation. Finally, it would allow civilians to administer an opioid overdose reversal drug, Narcan, without any official training.

The Start Talking Maryland Act

The additional bills, endorsed by the Democratic majority, would require public schools to keep Narcan on campus. They would also give school nurses and personnel the authority to administer the drug. Public universities would be mandated to talk to incoming students about the dangers of substance abuse and require that health-related degree seekers receive instruction about addiction treatment and safe pain management.

Maryland Recovery Sees Successful Outcomes

A University of Maryland Poll reports that opioid abuse affects 1 in 3 state residents. That’s why it’s so important that political leaders in Maryland are putting partisanship aside and are collaborating to put an end to the health crisis. As an institution on the front lines of this battle, Maryland Recovery envisions a path to a healthier state. We hope to see a major decrease in the number of opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the near future.

If You or a Loved One Are Suffering from Opioid Abuse, Don’t Wait for Help
Call Maryland Recovery TODAY

Opiate Rehab Center in Maryland

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Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), more commonly referred to as “sociopathy” in popular culture, is a mental disorder characterized by a profound lack of empathy for others, especially with regard to respecting (or not respecting) their personal rights.

According to data collected in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (2007), ASPD was prevalent among only 1 percent of the U.S. population at the time. Unfortunately, just 46 percent of those individuals were receiving treatment for this disorder.

Considering that symptoms of ASPD often involve criminal and violent activity, spreading awareness and information about the disorder is a matter of public safety. It is also important to note that those diagnosed with ASPD have also demonstrated a high prevalence for co-occurring substance abuse.

An article published in the Graduate Journal of Counseling Psychology noted that antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder are the most common personality disorders associated with substance abuse.

Furthermore, 40 to 50 percent of individuals who currently have a substance use disorder fit the profile for ASPD. Meanwhile, almost 90 percent of individuals with ASPD are also dealing with a co-occurring substance use disorder. This data suggests that it makes as much sense to discuss substance abuse as a component of ASPD as it does to consider these disorders separately.

Defining Antisocial Personality Disorder

Despite extensive research, mental health experts are still unable to determine the exact cause of antisocial personality. Typically, ASPD begins to develop in childhood. Children who habitually set fires or engage in animal cruelty demonstrate two common symptoms of the disorder.

Upon reaching adulthood, those suffering from ASPD will likely have developed a number of dangerous behavioral tendencies.

Major symptoms of antisocial personality disorder include:

• Extreme Lack of Empathy
• Willingness to Manipulate
• Willingness to Deceive
• Disregard for Social Norms and Laws
• Callous Attitude Toward Others
• Impulsive, Teckless Behavior
• Patterns of Risky Behaviors

Connecting Antisocial Personality Disorder and Addiction

Despite the disagreement on the causes of ASPD within the scientific community, most experts acknowledge that substance abuse and ASPD are commonly paired together in instances of dual diagnosis patients. The National Comorbidity Survey and other sets of data support this conclusion as well.

One of the reasons that it is so important to properly identify ASPD in dual diagnosis cases is because this personality disorder is prone to disrupt the recovery process. Likewise, substance abuse can further empower an individual with ASPD to engage in risky, self-destructive behaviors.

Addressing this dangerous combination of disorders requires the skill and expertise of both qualified physicians and certified therapists who have experience in treating co-occurring disorders.

Aggression and Alcoholism

One instance where research has revealed a strong connection between antisocial personality disorder and addiction is in looking at alcohol abuse.

A review of research surrounding ASPD and alcoholism published in Alcohol Research & Health identified several important conclusions about the two co-occurring disorders:

• Individuals diagnosed with ASPD generally display increased aggression.
• Individuals diagnosed with ASPD are a high risk for alcoholism.
• Individuals diagnosed with ASPD demonstrated further levels of aggression while under the influence of alcohol.

At a chemical level, the survey identified a relationship between aggression, ASPD and alcoholism revolving around the brain’s management of serotonin levels. Multiple studies have identified that the consumption of alcohol lowers the levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls mood and appetite.

Low serotonin levels are common among those who demonstrate impulsive and violent behaviors, suggesting that the ingestion of alcohol may make an individual more susceptible to the reckless behavior that characterizes ASPD.

Treating ASPD and Substance Abuse

Dual diagnosis cases are by nature extremely complex, especially when involving disruptive personality disorders like ASPD. It’s no surprise that many alcohol and drug rehab facilities are unqualified to treat an individual diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.

Only programs with sufficient experience and resources are able to provide the unique care required by an individual who is battling ASPD and substance use disorder.

At Maryland Recovery, we specialize in treating dual diagnosis clients. Our commitment to personalized recovery plans and use of holistic therapies, along with the support of our psychiatric experts, allow us to directly address the needs of patients with co-occurring disorders.

Recovery Is Possible for Those Struggling with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Addiction

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Treatment

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Mindfulness refers to a state of consciousness characterized by acute awareness of the present moment. The state of mindfulness can help individuals become more aware of their emotions, thoughts and health.

Mindfulness originated in Buddhist tradition, but the principles of mindfulness and meditation have been incorporated into modern psychiatric treatment since the 1970s.

The state of mindfulness is primarily learned through time spent in meditation. By focusing on breathing and posture, individuals can learn the ability to enter a state of calm observation. This process allows them to gain improved awareness of external stimuli, as well deeper insights into their own feelings.

Furthermore, research shows that mindful meditation can help heal damage to the brain caused by substance abuse. Learning more about the benefits of mindful meditation therapy is a huge advantage for those considering addiction treatment.

What Is Mindful Meditation Therapy?

Many of the most widely used therapies to treat mental health disorders, including mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, incorporate meditation and mindfulness to some degree. Though practiced meditation, patients recognize and accept negative stimuli like withdrawal symptoms and triggers without letting these stimuli distract from their state of mindfulness.

Ultimately, mindful meditation enhances the recovery process by teaching practitioners to accept the present for what it is. In a state of mindful meditation, those struggling with substance abuse are forced to acknowledge the reality of how their addiction has eroded relationships or derailed their personal dreams. These individuals can then make plans for improving their lives instead of living in a state of denial.

Mindful Meditation Opposes Addiction

Mindful meditation is more than just an effective form of treatment for substance abuse. In fact, mindful meditation techniques are ideal for getting to the core of a person’s addiction, instead of simply treating the symptoms.

The core of most addictions are based in intense emotional pain, feelings of rejection and deep insecurities. In a state of mindfulness, individuals struggling with addiction are better able to identify how their cravings and triggers are directly related to their underlying emotional pangs.

During recovery, this awareness is a huge advantage to patients as they develop healthier strategies for dealing with their problems.

Additionally, the lessons learned through mindful meditation therapy are a natural counter to the behavioral patterns that characterize addiction. For example, achieving a state of mindfulness requires individuals to recognize their circumstances for what they are. This approach goes directly against addicts’ tendency to deflect responsibility and rationalize their behavior.

Similarly, mindful mediation teaches the individual that lasting peace comes from daily meditation and personal discipline. This is a major shift from the attitude of a drug user, who prioritizes seeking instant satisfaction regardless of the long-term consequences.

Research Supports Mindful Meditation Therapy

Mindful meditation may have its origins in spirituality, but decades of clinical research have determined that the practice has plenty of measurable biological benefits.

For instance, an article published in the journal Counseling and Values identified mindful meditation as being ideal for playing a supplementary role in addiction recovery. The article emphasizes that the success of a recovery program depends on the individual’s ability to accept a myriad of changes in their lives. Mindful meditation is a uniquely helpful tool for helping patients to come to grips with this personal evolution.

Another article, published in JAMA Psychiatry, pointed out that participants in clinical trials who practice mindful meditation were significantly less likely to relapse than those who did not. Likewise, those who practiced mindful meditation and relapsed did so for a shorter time than those who relapsed and did not practice mindful meditation.

Mindful Meditation Can Heal the Brain

Research published in the journal NeuroReport revealed that mindful mediation can actually support a healthier brain. The study showed that individuals who participated in mindful meditation saw growth in brain regions related to focus and sensory processing.

Considering that substance abuse can affect the development of the brain in a destructive way, it is even more notable that mindful mediation techniques have the potential to repair the damage caused by addiction.

Addiction Treatment that Includes Mindful Meditation

Recovering from addiction requires more than simply flushing the drugs out of a person’s system. The individual must be willing and able to repair the damage – physical and emotional – that substance abuse has caused in their life. Mindful meditation can play an essential role in helping individuals achieve freedom from drugs and alcohol.

At Maryland Recovery, we recognize the risks of replacing one addiction with another. That’s why we support our patients with holistic therapies instead of asking them to take more medication. Our patients learn to embrace mindful meditation, along with yoga, acupuncture and other modalities, to free their mind and bodies from the grip of addiction.

Learn More About Mindfulness and Other Holistic Approaches to Addiction Recovery

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In Maryland and across the United States, health professionals and police are dealing with an uptick in the number of overdose cases due to carfentanil, a synthetic opioid some dealers are lacing into the heroin they sell to addicts. Already linked with several fatalities in Maryland counties, police expect more carfentanil deaths to be forthcoming.

State Officials Express Concern About Carfentanil Deaths

Both the health care industry and the police are issuing special alerts about the threat that carfentanil deaths pose to the community. Responding to warnings from clinicians who have worked with overdose patients and more than 1,200 carfentanil deaths across the state in 2015 alone, Maryland’s governor declared a state of emergency. Communities hit hardest are still reeling.

Maryland is just one of many states hit by a wave heroin-related carfentanil deaths. The drug combination has already taken lives across states in the Midwest, including Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio. As of May 13, a recent police raid in neighboring Pennsylvania uncovered heroin, methamphetamines and a drug believed to be carfentanil.

Two Anne Arundel County Residents Related to Carfentanil

Although many of the details are still under investigation, authorities have confirmed that two Anne Arundel Country residents have died after using heroin laced with carfentanil.

One of the deaths occurred in Pasadena on April 1. A second occurred in Linthicum on April 12. A spokesperson for the county police department did not release any other details about the two individuals.

Carfentanil Death Also Occurred In Frederick County

Another Maryland death attributed to a carfentanil overdose occurred in Frederick, marking the county’s first carfentanil-related overdose death. The man was 56 years old, and the incident occurred on April 7. Officers discovered a powdery substance on the man’s coffee table in his apartment. They believe he purchased the carfentanil, believing it to be heroin or another street drug.

Police are looking for connections between all three victims and any dealers who could be selling carfentanil-laced heroin. In addition, detectives are investigating the people who died to see if there is a link between them.

State Expects More Carfentanil Deaths From Tainted Batches

Heroin is typically sold in batches, amounts meant to supply 10 to 50 addicts. Multiple cases of a carfentanil overdose typically indicate that an entire batch in circulation has been tainted. More deaths are likely to follow.

To make matters worse, naloxone, the medication used to resuscitate someone suffering from an opioid overdose, is less effective at stopping a carfentanil overdose. Individuals who overdose on carfentanil require several doses of naloxone to be resuscitated.

Carfentanil is extremely potent and was never meant for human consumption. In fact, the drug’s primary use is as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants and hippopotamuses. Overdose victims are unaware that they are ingesting carfentanil, which is 5,000 times stronger than heroin and 10,000 times stronger than morphine, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

A Warning for the Community

Despite special alerts from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health to drug treatment centers and other community groups over the weekend, concerns are still high. Part of the problem is how difficult it is to distinguish carfentanil from heroin. A single grain of the synthetic opioid is enough to produce a high or an overdose. It can be absorbed through the skin, posing a risk to anyone who might touch it.

Maryland addiction counselors are warning those struggling with substance abuse about the new drug threat and reminding them how it’s impossible to predict what other drugs are used to cut heroin.

All addictions have the potential to be deadly, but carfentanil presents a new and eminent threat to those struggling with heroin addiction.  If you or someone you know has an opioid addiction, they may also be at risk for a carfentanil overdose. Thankfully, help is not far away. Reach out to Maryland Recovery to learn more about programs for addiction and mental health treatment to help people get back on their feet.

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We celebrate the 4th of July as a time to remember when we gained our independence as a nation. For many, it is also a time to remember when they gained independence from addiction. Either way, celebrating this holiday can be difficult for those in recovery because there are temptations and triggers everywhere.

Maryland Recovery wants you to enjoy a fun, safe and sober celebration. This guide to all the activities going on in Maryland this 4th of July can help steer you in the right direction.

Fun 4th of July Activities in Maryland

Since Maryland is so close to our nation’s capital, there are always fun and exciting celebrations happening on the 4th of July. There are events taking place in Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington DC and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Freedom Festival

On July 1, a Freedom Festival is planned at the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield. The event is free and will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring activities for the kids, food and music. The night will end with a fireworks show over the marina.

Freedom Festival – 2017

Salute to Independence Concert

Also taking place on July 1, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is performing a concert to salute our nation’s independence. The Antietam National Battlefield will host the concert near Sharpsburg, MD. Guests should plan to arrive at this event early and bring a blanket to sit on. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Salute to Independence Concert – 2017

Six Flags 4^th of July Fest

Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro will celebrate its annual 4th of July fest on July 2-4. The price of admission will give you access to park rides, live entertainment, special 4th of July menus and a fireworks show in the evening. The park is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the festivities.

July 4th Fest – 2017

Star-Spangled Spectacular

On July 3, Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville will host a large outdoor concert at 8:00 p.m. The concert will feature Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. Guests can enjoy food during this event, which will conclude with a fireworks show.

Star-Spangled Spectacular – 2017

Rock Hall 4^th of July Parade

The Community Center in Rock Hall is hosting its annual 4th of July parade. The parade includes old-fashioned floats, bands, antique cars and more. The parade is followed by a festival featuring local food and music. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m., and will feature craft activities for the kids.

Rock Hall July 4th Parade – 2017

July 4^th Pet Parade

Celebrate with your pets by attending the July 4th pet parade, hosted by The American Visionary Art Museum. Bring the family pet down for animal fun and prizes. Pet registration is at 9:30 a.m., while the parade begins at 10:00 a.m.

July 4th Pet Parade – 2017

Host Your Own Party

Another option for fun over the holiday weekend is hosting your own party. After all, the best way to avoid temptation during the holiday season is by surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends. This is a great way to start a new family tradition that will aid in your recovery.

Have a Backup Plan

It is always important to be prepared. Take the time to research any events you may attend. See what kind of triggers you might be exposed to and prepare for them. Have a backup plan and be prepared to leave the event if you need to.

Celebrating the 4th of July should be a fun, stress-free experience. Take advantage of the holiday as a time not just to celebrate our freedom as a nation, but your freedom from addiction. If you need more information about addiction therapy or are interested in our holistic approach to treatment, reach out to Maryland Recovery.

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The opioid epidemic has hit Anne Arundel County particularly hard, affecting every demographic. Drug overdoses are now responsible for far more deaths in Maryland than homicides and auto accidents.

While officials are working to combat the epidemic, coordinating resources has proved difficult. Often the task is beyond the capabilities of local government. Facing Addiction, a national grassroots-driven nonprofit organization aims to change that.

Facing Addiction Is Stepping in to Help

Addiction currently affects more than 45 million citizens and their families across the U.S. Facing Addiction has selected 15 communities from 50 applicants from across the U.S. for a project to reform public response to the addiction crisis.

Anne Arundel has been chosen as one of these communities. Facing Addiction will work with local community members and organizations to drive a health-centered response to those struggling with addiction.

The Goals of Facing Addiction

Facing Addiction will work with the Anne Arundel community to provide guidance and resources to combat the addiction epidemic. Facing Addiction’s goals include:

• Obtain local funding increases
• Inspire press coverage to bring attention to the addiction crisis
• Communicate with elected officials and policy makers
• Develop a political campaign strategy to empower community stakeholders
• Reform community response by training advocates in organizational and advocacy techniques

This pilot program in Anne Arundel will be the basis for a national coalition that will give a voice to those affected by addiction. With the death toll rising at alarming rates, this assistance cannot come soon enough.

Opioid addiction is a dangerous problem affecting more people every day, and if nothing is done to stop it, the numbers are likely to grow.

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Did you know that roughly 18 percent of Americans suffer from some type of anxiety disorder? Some of the most common versions of this illness include acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and stress or anxiety related phobias.

It is estimated that only a third of individuals struggling with anxiety actually seek medical attention for their disorders. The means that the other two-thirds are in need of serious help. They are also at a high risk for developing co-occurring anxiety and substance abuse problems.

Here at Maryland Recovery, we think it is important to understand the relationship between anxiety and substance abuse. Knowledge is the first step in avoiding this deadly cycle.

Which Comes First? The Cause and Effect

When it comes to treating patients with both anxiety and substance abuse disorders, even trained professionals have difficulty determining which disorder manifested first in each patient. Co-occurring disorders seem to affect the body simultaneously, leading to patients experiencing a vicious cycle of anxiety and substance abuse.

In fact, 20 percent of people with an anxiety disorder are also addicted to drugs or alcohol. The addiction rate is even higher for anxiety patients than for other high-risk groups, such as combat veterans, rape victims and victims of other traumatic events.

Anxiety and substance abuse co-exist in a few different ways. In each scenario, there is a different starting off point, eventually leading to the same, dangerous result. Examples of these unfortunate scenarios include:

Anxiety Disorder Occurs First

In this scenario, someone develops an anxiety disorder. Instead of seeking medical attention, they begin to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. In the early stages, they may not even realize a disorder is developing – they only know that some substances ease their feelings of anxiety.

Substance Abuse Disorder Occurs First

This scenario occurs when someone is dependent on alcohol or drugs, and then develops an anxiety disorder. The individual’s anxiety usually stems from withdrawal or other dependency issues, usually related to alcohol. Left untreated, the chronic anxiety can develop into a full-blown disorder.

Co-Occurring Anxiety and Addiction

In the third scenario, addiction and anxiety do not develop in a cause-and-effect relationship. The person just happens to develop disorders both at the same time. This is the least likely of the scenarios as mental disorders tend to directly interact, but it isn’t impossible.

The Complex Relationship Between Anxiety and Substance Abuse

The sad reality is that people commonly use drug (typically alcohol) as a means to dull or numb their anxiety. Unfortunately, alcohol only makes the anxiety worse.

Though the first drink may give individuals the illusion of peace, eventually the effects of the alcohol wear off and their anxiety is intensified.

This cycle may encourage someone to drink even more, which would in turn cause even more anxiety. Alcohol isn’t the only substance that causes issues for those suffering from anxiety, but it is easily the most accessible.

Along with alcohol, here are some other problematic self-medicating scenarios:

Alcohol-Induced Anxiety

Alcohol-induced anxiety is slightly different than someone using alcohol to dull their anxiety symptoms. When substance-induced anxiety begins, it will usually only last as long as it takes the alcohol to leave the person’s system.  If the induced anxiety begins during withdrawal, symptoms can continue as far as four weeks after the substance is no longer being used.

The good news about this type of anxiety is that it typically fades away once the alcohol is flushed from a user’s system. Depending on the duration of abuse, withdrawal anxiety can last much longer. Some recovering alcoholics have experienced anxiety-related issues that lasted three months into their sobriety. With time, however, withdrawal symptoms will wane and afford the person some real relief.

Opioids and Anxiety

Non-medical opioids are frequently used as a way to self-medicate and numb the pain and stress of anxiety. Studies have shown that more and more people with mood disorders are abusing opioids to elevate their mood and manage their symptoms. Much like alcohol, the research has shown extended use of opioids can manifest or worsen mood disorders like anxiety.

Treatment Plans

As those suffering from addiction go through recovery, it is important to determine how their substance abuse problems are interacting with their anxiety disorders. Once this relationship is diagnosed, skilled treatment counselors at can develop a recovery plan that works for each individual.

At Maryland Recovery, most treatments focus on recovery from addiction and anxiety without the need for medication. Psychotherapy is used to ease anxiety symptoms, allowing people to feel comfortable again without taking more drugs.

Overcoming addiction and an anxiety disorder will require a combination of treatments and a wealth of knowledge. Explore more of our website to learn more about mental disorders and why Maryland Recovery is the perfect place for you to start recovery.

The post Something to Worry About: The Link Between Anxiety and Substance Abuse appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Holistic medicine (also known as complementary or integrative medicine) is more popular in the United States than ever before. Often, these techniques are used to improve focus, manage anxiety and restore spiritual wellness.

But what about when it comes to substance abuse? Many recovery programs across the country advertise holistic treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, but not all of these facilities provide the same level of care.

In an interview with Psychology Today, Westley Clark, a physician and director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, offered his expert insights on the value of holistic remedies:

“Many evidenced-based programs which take a holistic approach to treatment may incorporate aspects of alternative or spiritual healing. These approaches may also be helpful so long as they are used as adjuncts to evidenced-based practices.”

It is important for those struggling with addiction, as well as their families, to have a firm understanding of what holistic addiction treatment is, as well as which therapies are supported by scientific research to aid in recovery. That way, families can make an informed decision about where to get help for their loved one’s addiction.

What Is Holistic Addiction Treatment?

The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine defines holistic medicine as “healing that addresses the whole person – body, mind and spirit.”

While traditional medicine focuses solely on treating illness from a physical perspective, holistic medicine can supplement these treatments by simultaneously addressing the patient’s spiritual and psychological health. This bridging of multiple approaches is the ideal application of holistic remedies.

Remedies paired with traditional medicine in a holistic recovery program often include:

• Yoga
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Drumming Therapy
• Acupuncture

Unique Benefits of Holistic Recovery

Recovery programs that incorporate holistic medicine into recovery plans offer unique benefits. For many patients, a more nuanced, holistic approach to recovery could mean the difference between long-term sobriety and a deadly cycle of relapse.

The following benefits have been associated with holistic treatment for drug and alcohol addiction:

Greater Access to Traditional Medicine

One of the least-touted benefits of holistic recovery programs is that they may encourage individuals who reject the idea of a traditional treatment to get help. These same individuals may be more comfortable seeking treatment in an environment where practices like drumming therapy or yoga are the norm.

Opportunities for Participants to Develop New Skills

In line with the holistic perspective of treating the mind, body and soul, holistic recovery programs encourage participants to learn new hobbies and apply those skills as a part of their long-term recovery.

Prepare Patients to Change Their Lifestyles

Holistic recovery programs do more than teach patients techniques for reducing stress in recovery. They are equipping each individual with a tool box of relapse-prevention skills, such as mindful meditation, which will be used long after they graduate from a recovery program.

Studies Support Holistic Recovery Programs

Due to the lack of available data, it’s difficult to identify why certain holistic remedies seem to be so effective in helping patients overcome their addictions. However, there are numerous examples of research that support the idea that holistic techniques can play an important role in recovery. As a supplement to traditional medicine, holistic medicine continues to show promise in addiction therapy research.

The types of scientific research supporting holistic recovery are varied and persuasive. Examples of these diverse studies include:

• A 2002 study published by the American Public Health Association showed that drumming therapy is especially effective as a supplementary addiction therapy for individuals who have endured multiple relapses.
• In 2013, a study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine concluded that participating in yoga and mindfulness-based meditation during recovery helps make patients less susceptible to relapse later in life.
• A 2014 scientific literature review published in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment pointed at consistent evidence of holistic medicine’s ability to enhance addiction counseling and therapy.
• In 2015, a report published in the Australian Journal of Primary Health supported the idea that there is a powerful link between mental and physical health. These findings also support the general principles of holistic medicine.

Learning More About Holistic Recovery Programs

The best way to learn more about the relationship between holistic recovery and traditional addiction treatment is to speak with experts. At Maryland Recovery, we ensure that each patient’s recovery program is tailored to his or her physical, mental and spiritual needs.

We’ve seen how effective this comprehensive treatment strategy can be, and we are always happy to discuss our strategies. Review our holistic recovery program or contact us directly to learn more about our unique approach to healing from addiction.

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As the friend or family member of a person struggling with addiction, you are constantly put in tough positions. You want to see your loved one get help, but it’s easy to hesitate or put off the process of entering rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, the risk of committing drug crimes is a constant threat when someone is battling a chemical dependency. The longer treatment is delayed, the more likely it is that legal issues will arise.

Addiction and Crime

One of the most significant risks of drug and alcohol use is the connection between drug use and criminal activity. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, about 80 percent of offenses leading to jail time involve drugs and alcohol in some way. Another 60 percent of incarcerated individuals tested positive for illegal drugs at the time of their arrest.

The most common drug-related offenses include:

• Property Crimes, such as Trespassing
• Driving While Intoxicated
• Juvenile Crimes
• Violence in College
• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse
• Public-Order Offenses
• Drug Offenses

Drug addiction can often lead to financial ruin. A person with an addiction might resort to crimes such as robbery or mugging to get the funds for their next fix. If you or a loved one is convicted for committing a drug-related crime, the process of getting into recovery will be much more difficult.

Consequences of Drug-Related Criminal Activity

The relationship between drug addiction and criminal activity is complex. Many people with addictions to illegal drugs only commit drug-related crimes, suggesting that their criminal activity is directly related to the drug problem. However, at more advanced levels of drug abuse, some substances appear to amplify the user’s tendencies toward illegal activity.

Overall, there appear to be three main reasons most drug abusers commit crimes:

• The Effects of the Drug: In some cases, the psychological effects of a drug can influence the user to commit a crime. One example of this phenomenon is murder cases involving persons high on bath salts. In these types of cases, it’s safe to assume that the individual likely would not have committed the crime were it not for their drug addiction.

• The Need to Purchase More Drugs: Many drug-related crimes stem from the need to fuel the drug habit after financial ruin. Theft and prostitution are common crimes related to chronic drug use.

• Drug-Related Activities: Many arrests result from the use, possession or distribution of the drugs. Individuals are at much higher risk of incarceration when their crimes are related to the manufacture, trafficking and sale of drugs.

Drug-related crimes can lead to life-changing repercussions. You or a loved one could face court hearings, probation periods and possible jail time for drug-related criminal charges. Unfortunately, many state penitentiaries and prisons lack the resources needed properly care for those struggling with addiction.

You or your loved one may never feel like today is the right day to quit. But you also know that the sooner a person starts treatment, the less likely they will run into trouble with the law.

Choose Rehab Sooner Rather than Later

You do not want your loved one to go through withdrawal in jail. Avoiding this scenario must be a top priority for your family. Since 2015, several Americans have died from opioid withdrawal symptoms while in jail.

One poignant case is that of 18-year-old Victoria Herr. She passed away in a Pennsylvania jail after incarceration for drug charges.

According to reports, the jail denied Victoria medical care for heroin withdrawal. She collapsed, stopped breathing and lost brain function four days after her arrest.

Victoria’s case is just one example of what can happen to someone struggling with addiction when their legal issues catch up with them. It can be easy to think that jail time might be good for your loved one. You expect the experience to inspire your loved one and get them to seek help.

The reality is, however, that people still die from withdrawal while serving time for minor crimes.

Don’t let your loved one suffer the same fate. It is much easier to go through rehab and enjoy long-term recovery without legal interference and a criminal record. Now is the time to push for treatment, not later.

Act Before It’s Too Late

Once your loved one is placed into the legal system, he or she will have far less control over the quality of treatment delivered. The court may require enrollment in a subpar state program or mandate a treatment schedule that fails to address the individual’s unique needs.

Not all treatment centers are equal. The wrong type of treatment can hurt, not help, your loved one.

The answer to the looming threat of drug crimes is simple. Act now to get your loved one into a dependable rehabilitation and treatment center. Maryland Recovery Center is a renowned treatment center near Baltimore that is highly equipped to handle the unique needs of each patient we see.

Our mission is to help your loved one before legal consequences make matters worse. It may never seem like “the right time” for someone to enter rehab, but in reality, there is no time like the present. Learn about our programs to get one step closer to helping your friend or family member find the care they desperately need.

The post Drug Crimes and Consequences: More Reasons to Get Your Loved One into Rehab appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Natural methods for escaping drug addiction exist, and essentially act as an alternative to traditional rehabilitation. For those with an ample desire to beat addiction and the right tools, self-guided recovery is possible. However, attempting to stop using drugs without any form of professional help can be extremely difficult.

Do not attempt addiction recovery on your own without ample research. It is not impossible, but it is more difficult than enrolling in a rehab program. Here are some tips for anyone considering taking their rehabilitation into their own hands.

Recognize the Dangers of Self-Guided Drug and Alcohol Detox

Before you can embark on the road to recovery, you first overcome the roadblock that is drug detoxification. A cold turkey detox is not recommended, as this approach can be deadly. Even if your ultimate goal is to recover on your own, there’s nothing to gain from putting your health at serious risk.

Undergo the detox portion of your recovery in a medical setting, with support from trained professionals. This precaution will ensure that your withdrawal is not deadly and allow you to begin a natural rehabilitation process.

The first 48 hours to seven days after quitting drugs will be the hardest. Withdrawal side effects can be bothersome, painful and dangerous to your health. During this time, attempting self-guided recovery is ill-advised.

In a hospital setting, doctors can identify stages of withdrawal and administer medication accordingly. This approach will protect you from the painful and discouraging symptoms of withdrawal.

Begin Your Rehabilitation Journey

Once you’ve conquered the dangers of drug withdrawal, you’re ready to begin the rehabilitation process. Understand that although you don’t necessarily have to enroll in a program, you must still do all of the work that you would have done had you undergone treatment.

It is critical that you begin by identifying the root cause of your addiction. You may be using substances to escape reality, get away from depression or anxiety, or to cope with something in your past.

It will be very difficult to stop using if you don’t understand why you started in the first place.

If you believe the problem is related so a separate, underlying mental health issue, then it is imperative that you seek out professional help to guide you through rehab. Co-occurring disorders are extremely difficult for fully trained professionals to treat, let alone an individual performing self-guided rehab at home.

Addressing your mental health via therapy or the right prescription medication, however, may enable you to eventually tackle the rehabilitation process on your own.

Keep Your Rehabilitation on Track

It is incredibly important to keep up your daily disciplines during self-guided rehabilitation, as you will have to act as your own addiction counselor. It will be up to you to set a schedule, keep your rehabilitation on track, mark your milestones and maintain sobriety.

This is another instance where the choice to do recovery at home makes the process considerably more difficult. Your success hinges solely on your own willpower.

Make a Significant Lifestyle Change

You will need to get proper exercise and nutrition during natural rehabilitation. Taking care of your body will help your body heal from the effects of your addiction, as well as your mind and spirit. For example, yoga, Reiki, meditation and similar activities can offer inner calm to practitioners.

Likewise, keeping your mind occupied via group activities like a book group is a smart strategy for managing your sobriety. The more you break away from old, drug-oriented activities and people, the more likely that you will be successful in your self-guided rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, upending your entire lifestyle can be difficult. The task of shutting out long-time friends and avoiding areas known for drug use can be extremely difficult during the early days of sobriety. Taking these steps is critical to successful recovery of any kind.

Don’t overlook the advantages of participating in professionally guided treatment. The process of creating distance from unhealthy lifestyle habits and developing new responses to drug cravings is far easier to manage when done with the help of addiction recovery professionals.

Focus on Your Sobriety

The ability to quit drugs naturally and experience long-term recovery depends entirely on your own personal willpower and dedication to getting sober.

If you have any doubts about your willpower or ability to stop using on your own, don’t take the risk. Ask for help from family and close friends to keep you honest.

Living with someone you trust, preferably a sober individual, can go a long way toward helping you if you do not think you can live alone during this time.

If you do not have a support system available to guide you through every step of the recovery process, you may be better off fighting your addiction in a traditional rehab setting. After all, you will not be able to rely on friends and family in the same way you can rely on doctors and nurse practitioners working at a treatment facility.

Don’t Forget that Help Is Available

Quitting drugs and alcohol outside of rehab is possible, but there it is little to suggest that those who attempt self-guided recovery are actually improving their chances. Why go it alone when you can enlist the support of experienced and empathetic recovery professionals?

Don’t feel like you need to figure out all the answers on your own. At Maryland Recovery Center, our first priority is helping those struggling with addiction to get on the road to sobriety. We encourage those battling substance abuse problems to reach out to us to learn how we help those in need of professional treatment and care.

The post How Do I Stop Using Drugs Naturally? appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Over the last two decades, the United States has experienced a widespread drug epidemic spanning all regions and all walks of life. Every state has unique considerations when it comes to drug abuse, and Pennsylvania displays several worrisome trends.

Maryland Recovery provides substance abuse recovery services and counseling to patients from all over the United States, and we believe it’s important for Pennsylvania residents to understand the substance abuse issues facing their state.

Pennsylvania Drug Abuse Trends

Between 1990 and 2015, deaths from drug overdoses have increased threefold across the country on average. In 2015 alone, there were 16.3 deaths per 100,000 residents due to drug overdoses.

That same year, Pennsylvania reported more than 3,500 deaths, for a rate of 26.3 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, which was sixth-highest in the nation. Pennsylvania’s drug overdose death rate jumped 30 percent in just one year.

One of the most troublesome aspects of the drug problem that it affects all age groups and demographics. Although many people hold misconceptions about the areas in which one is most likely to find drug abuse problems, some of the most severe issues in the state have arisen in seemingly unlikely places:

• Rural Pennsylvanians have witnessed widespread addiction and drug crime.
• Drugs find their way to rural areas from the nearby metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Reading.

Opioid and Heroin Use Becoming More Common

Local emergency responders have relied heavily on the anti-overdose drug naloxone. Naloxone can reverse the effects of opioid overdose by attaching to the victim’s opioid receptors in the brain and flushing away the opioids. Some paramedics have reported using naloxone to revive an unresponsive overdose victim more than 10 times in just the past year.

Part of the reason the opioid crisis has reached such critical proportions is the fact that so many Americans rely on prescription painkillers, namely opioids. Opioids are very effective painkillers, but also extremely addictive. Many patients begin their substance abuse with normal use of prescribed painkillers, but they quickly develop dependencies.

Heroin is a fraction of the price of illegal opioid pills on the street, and once addiction has set in, heroin appears as an attractive option to maintaining an addiction. As heroin floods rural Pennsylvania from the larger cities, people at high risk of developing addictions have easy access to this powerful drug.

How the State Is Addressing the Issue

Pennsylvania lawmakers have committed several resources and started many initiatives to help curb the high overdose death rate in the state.

With a rate soon eclipsing 10 deaths per day from drug overdoses, Pennsylvania lawmakers recently unveiled a plan to establish 45 “Centers of Excellence” in the state. The substance abuse treatment centers will be coordinating recovery services within existing medical communities such as hospitals, behavioral health offices and addiction clinics.

Instead of relying on traditional methods that have so far proven ineffective against the growing number of overdose deaths, these Pennsylvania Centers of Excellence will help drug users on an individual level. Each addiction case requires individualized attention, as no two substance abuse cases are alike.

Providing effective treatment that leads a patient to lasting sobriety requires knowing the person on a personal level, what his or her triggers are, and the role his or her mental health plays in the cycle of addiction.

Pennsylvania’s Trouble with Other Drugs

Although the opioid crisis continues to be the most pressing substance abuse issue in Pennsylvania, law enforcement and state policymakers have also witnessed a sharp increase in the use of other drugs.

Although prescription opioid painkillers continue to be the most statistically dangerous drugs, alcohol use among teens, higher rates of marijuana use, and drug-related crime are on the rise in PA.

Marijuana Use Up Among Most Age Groups

Statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that between 2010 and 2015, marijuana use within the year prior to taking the survey increased from 10 percent to 12.4 percent among all respondents.

However, teen marijuana use slightly dropped during that time frame. Teens also reported a lower rate of marijuana use within the past month of taking the survey than other age groups did. While marijuana use is relatively safer than other, more harmful drugs, marijuana-related crime is still a major issue in Pennsylvania.

Alcoholism Still Prevalent in PA

Alcohol abuse continues to plague Pennsylvania, with alcohol use and alcoholism rates placing among the highest in the nation. Northeastern Pennsylvania reports some of the highest rates of alcohol abuse and alcohol-related crime in the state.

Since it is legal for adults older than 21 to purchase and consume alcohol, it appears that too few people respect the addictive and destructive potential of the substance. Many addiction treatment experts consider alcohol the most dangerous substance, and trends in Pennsylvania seem to support this claim: Underage drinking continues to be a problem, and a recent bust in York, PA led to underage drinking citations for 218 partygoers.

Seek Treatment Before It’s Too Late

The country is clearly dealing with an opioid epidemic, and while these statistics are important and show the widespread effects of substance abuse, they do not shed light on the individual struggles thousands of people are facing. Prevention and awareness are two of the most important weapons in the fight against growing substance abuse.

Maryland Recovery wants to remind our neighbors in Pennsylvania to seek counseling and treatment for substance abuse before it’s too late. Legal prescriptions and typical experimentation can have disastrous consequences, so reaching out for help sooner rather than later can save lives.

Learn How Holistic Treatment Can Be Part of the Solution to Drug Addiction

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The post The State of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Treatment in Pennsylvania in 2017 appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Many families in Massachusetts have felt the disastrous effects of the ongoing opioid crisis facing the nation. While every state has unique drug abuse issues, the problems facing Massachusetts seem to be getting worse, not better.

Widespread drug dealing, easy access to heroin and a rash of fentanyl-laced heroin seizures have perpetuated the drug overdose problem in the state, leaving lawmakers struggling to find solutions.

Massive Drug-Dealing Problem in Massachusetts

The drug problem in Massachusetts is multifaceted. The demand for opioids and heroin is extremely high across the state, so much so that drug dealers have extensive networks that funnel drugs into the state from neighboring states and other countries.

Recently, a 10-month-long police effort led to the arrests of 30 individuals participating in an extensive heroin trafficking operation based in nearby Providence, Rhode Island, which affected Massachusetts. This bust is indicative of widespread drug trafficking across the country.

The demand for heroin and fentanyl is so high that some drug dealers are going so far as trying and produce fentanyl themselves.

Increasing Demand for Heroin

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than heroin. A fatal dose of fentanyl is only a small fraction of the size of a fatal dose of heroin.

Drug dealers have started using fentanyl as an additive in their heroin because a small amount dramatically increases the potency.

On May 25, 2017, federal agents seized more than 50 kilograms of a compound known as NPP, which is used to synthesize fentanyl, from a Northborough storage facility. The amount seized would have been enough to produce $570 million worth of fentanyl based on current street value.

Most fentanyl seized in the U.S. can be traced back to other countries, particularly China, but law enforcement officials say that the appearance of stateside fentanyl production operations is both disturbing and a sign of an extremely high demand.

Drug dealers, seeing the potential for even higher-than-usual profits, appear to be willing to risk production on their own to effectively cut out the middleman and cash in on Massachusetts’ opioid dependency.

Unconventional Efforts to Stop Fentanyl Deaths

The threat fentanyl poses to Massachusetts communities has grown to such proportions that state drug abuse advocates have developed a simple testing system that has proven relatively effective in preventing fentanyl-related overdose deaths:

• Using simple testing strips, drug users can test a dose before consuming it to ensure it does not contain fentanyl.
• If the dose test positive for fentanyl, the user will know to take a much smaller dose and to avoid taking it alone.

A group of former and current drug users formed an organization called the New England Drug Users Union to encourage those struggling with substance abuse to form better habits and use their drugs of choice safely.

While these test strips do little to stop new addiction cases, they have prevented several deaths in Massachusetts. Advocates including the New England Drug Users Union understand how severe opioid addiction is for those who struggle with it, and rather than further stigmatize these individuals, they want to encourage safety and responsibility.

Unfortunately, this measure is not going to do much to curb the growing number of addiction cases in Massachusetts.

Examining Overdose Deaths in Massachusetts

The drug business in Massachusetts may be extremely lucrative for illegal drug dealers, but the rest of the state is suffering tremendously from this crisis. Between 2000 and 2016, nearly 14,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses.

Although this problem affects the entirety of Massachusetts, several counties have seen far more deaths than others. During the aforementioned time period, more than 2,500 of the deaths reported took place in Middlesex County.

Other Massachusetts counties that reported more than 1,500 opioid-related deaths from 2000 to 2016 are:

• Suffolk
• Essex
• Bristol
• Worcester

‘Raining Needles’ in Massachusetts and New England

One of the most salient effects of the opioid crisis in Massachusetts is the growing number of used needles appearing in parks, rivers, beaches and streets. Heroin addicts tend to congregate with each other to take their doses, usually because they must pool their money to secure their drugs, and it’s well-known that dosing alone is dangerous. Experiencing an overdose with no one around to offer aid is a common cause of opioid-related deaths.

Discarded syringes pose public health issues. Sharing needles is one of the most common vectors for disease transmission, and many opioid addicts contract infectious diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.

Syringes left in parks and other public areas are especially dangerous for children who may happen upon them and not only injure themselves, but contract these dangerous diseases as well.

Where Does Massachusetts Go from Here?

The outlook for the drug epidemic in Massachusetts and throughout New England appears bleak. State lawmakers are struggling to keep pace with the growing number of drug-related crimes, new addiction cases and strained substance abuse treatment programs. Finding effective substance abuse treatment is difficult for Massachusetts citizens struggling with drug addiction.

Seeking Treatment Is the Top Solution

Anyone in Massachusetts who is struggling with opioid addiction needs to recognize the widespread opioid problem in the area and the low availability of acceptable treatment programs nearby. The only real answer to addiction is seeking treatment as soon as possible.

Furthermore, seeking treatment out of state will help many addicted individuals break free of the dangerous influences back home.

At Maryland Recovery, we understand the difficulties facing Massachusetts citizens who are in the grips of the opioid crisis. Consider your options for treatment and realize that being open to the idea of moving out of state for your recovery may be your best chance at overcoming addiction. Contact us today to see how we can craft a customized path to recovery for you or a loved one.

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The post Heroin and Fentanyl Are Everywhere in Massachusetts in 2017 appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Substance abuse is a widespread issue affecting all demographics in the United States, and some of the most serious cases aren’t receiving appropriate treatment. “Dual diagnosis” refers to a substance abuse problem existing in tandem with a mental health disorder. More than half of all substance abuse cases involve dual diagnosis patients.

Dual diagnosis addiction treatment is more extensive and complex than standard addiction treatment. It addresses the mental health symptoms that can reach extremes when substance abuse develops alongside them.

There are many factors influencing the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States, and a lack of effective dual diagnosis care is a major one. Many people in the U.S. do not have ready access to general addiction treatment services, let alone treatment options that address the underlying mental health issues contributing to substance abuse.

Many people across the U.S. now understand the severity of the opioid crisis in the country, and recognize the need for addiction treatment. However, the opioid crisis remains a major issue despite increased awareness, and won’t slow down until mental health treatment and dual diagnoses cases receive the appropriate attention.

Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) reports that nearly 60 percent of dual diagnosis cases do not receive effective treatment for substance abuse alone. Furthermore, only about 8 percent of dual diagnosis patients receive treatment for both their mental health issues and substance abuse.

This lack of effective treatment options means many people will either continue down destructive path of addiction, or quickly relapse into substance abuse after receiving inadequate treatment. It’s incredibly difficult for a dual diagnosis patient to progress toward complete recovery without mental health treatment. The opioid crisis in America will continue until more people recognize the need for effective dual diagnosis treatment programs.

A Cycle of Addiction

Dual diagnosis is particularly dangerous because a patient’s mental health issues and substance abuse feed one another. A person with a dual diagnosis will self-medicate to alleviate the symptoms of the mental health disorder.

Over time, the person will only feel relief by using his or her drugs of choice, and the drug abuse, in turn, will exacerbate the mental health problem.

How Do You Treat Dual Diagnosis Cases?

The only way to effectively treat a dual diagnosis case is by addressing the mental health problem and the substance abuse simultaneously. A person suffering from dual diagnosis needs to recognize how each issue feeds into the other so he or she can learn to break the cycle of addiction.

Problems with Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Researchers at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the University of Michigan report that individuals who suffer from mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, tend to consume a disproportionate amount of prescription painkillers.

Essentially, the people facing the highest risk of developing substance abuse are consuming more addictive substances than those without mental health issues. This only further affirms the need to treat both mental health and substance abuse issues together.

Not all rehabilitation centers offer comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment. Many substance abuse clinics are perfectly capable of providing robust substance abuse treatment options, but few are properly equipped to handle more complex dual diagnosis cases.

It is essential for dual diagnosis patients to find a substance abuse recovery program and facility that focuses on both sides of the addiction, otherwise the individual will never achieve 100 percent recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Care at Maryland Recovery

At Maryland Recovery, our team understands the importance of treating dual diagnosis cases, and we provide multifaceted treatment that addresses the many needs of patients with co-occurring disorders.

Studies show that about 30 percent of people struggling with a mental health disorder also have substance abuse problems, and we want to provide thorough treatment for patients suffering from both issues.

Dual diagnosis cases may be fueling the ongoing opioid crisis, but driving more awareness about the issue and increasing the accessibility of dual diagnosis treatment are steps in the right direction.

Learn More About Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The post Lack of Dual Diagnosis Care and Addiction Treatment Is Worsening the U.S. Opioid Crisis appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Most people who suffer through traumatic events do not recognize the real effects that those experiences will have later in life. In many substance abuse cases, patients uncover those effects through counseling and begin to understand the role that their past trauma plays in their current situations.

Effective treatment for substance abuse often hinges on caregivers’ ability to address mental health issues and past trauma in order to open the door to a full, positive recovery.

How Trauma and Substance Abuse Interact

Many people who suffer traumatic experiences, especially very early in life, subconsciously suppress the memories of those events. Quashing a memory does not eliminate the effects a traumatic experience can have on the human psyche. The symptoms of the trauma will often show up in many different aspects of the individual’s life.

Past trauma can affect an individual in the following ways:

• How he or she deals with stressful situations
• Manic periods of depression or elation
• Overall self-esteem
• Daily habits

Most often, people tend to deal with the feelings of past trauma by self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Once trauma and drugs and alcohol become entwined, a trauma-informed approach to addiction treatment is needed.

Trauma and Alcohol Abuse

Trauma and alcoholism often go hand-in-hand, as trauma survivors will turn to this substance for relief. Alcoholism is one of the fastest-progressing forms of substance abuse that can quickly become life-threatening. Why are trauma and alcohol use so closely linked? Honestly, alcohol does numb the symptoms of trauma – for a short time.

Alcohol can help you to lower your defenses, make you feel a sense of euphoria and forget the trauma of your past. While you are drinking, you can almost feel what it is like to be free from the chains of past traumatic experiences. Alcohol might even feel like the cure to many of the problems you have in your daily life, so of course you would want to self-medicate with alcohol and continue to feel good, right?

Unfortunately, alcohol is not a miracle cure for the emotional distress you feel, and only masks your true feelings temporarily. Believing that alcohol is the best way to address these feelings of depression, shame and anger can start you on a dangerous path where you need alcohol to continue to put real problems to the side.

Alcohol abuse always leads to the same place: alcohol use disorder and physical dependence, which sooner or later stop numbing the true problems and leave you only with the same problems plus the very big problem of alcoholism.

Common Sources of Trauma

While some people can pinpoint their traumatic experiences, others may not realize the effects of past traumas or simply do not remember them. It is not necessary to remember a traumatic event in order to feel its effects later in life, however.

Trauma usually comes from one of three sources:

• One-time events such as a natural disaster, suffering a violent assault, or a car accident.
• Ongoing stress from sickness, persistent abuse of any kind, or living in a dangerous place.
• Overlooked causes such as suppressed memories from early childhood, sudden loss of a loved one, or public humiliation.

It is important to remember that each individual is unique, and an event or issue can be non-traumatic to one person while being completely debilitating for another.

Even the individual suffering the trauma may be struggling to accept that the trauma had any effect on them whatsoever. This often leads to shame or resentment, which furthers the negative effect and worsens the problem.

Trauma-Informed Approach to Treatment

Treatment of substance abuse involving trauma requires several goals. First, a safe and compassionate environment must be established in order for the individual to be open to sharing the root causes of trauma with the counselor or therapist.

Therapy is a two-way street, and the individual must not only be willing to open up to let out the past experiences, but must be willing to allow help back in and be open to the treatment that will give resolution to the traumatic feelings and events.

The treatment must empower the individual, not alienate them or make them feel any sort of shame for their feelings. A trauma-informed approach to therapy should not only empower the person, but also should not label or pathologize them.

Labeling the person or generalizing their symptoms, needs or feelings can actually worsen the trauma. In turn, many of the therapies used in general addiction treatment may not help a individual suffering from trauma, and they could cause even more harm – and deepen substance abuse problems. Many relapse cases can be tied to this inadequate type of treatment for trauma.

Treatment for Trauma

Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment option for trauma survivors. Through counseling and therapy, trauma victims will learn to process their traumatic memories in healthy ways and develop new coping strategies. Effective trauma counseling also helps patients learn to identify their triggers or the external stimuli that can cause negative symptoms like anxiety, depression and the urge to self-medicate.

Most treatment plans for trauma-based dual diagnosis cases will involve a healthy mix of therapies and counseling structures. Some patients will benefit more from close one-on-one counseling while others thrive in group counseling environments (as long as the group therapies also utilize a trauma-specific approach).

Whatever form treatment takes, caregivers must be able to connect to each patient on an individual level. There is no one answer to trauma cases, and substance abuse professionals must be flexible and committed to each individual patient’s recovery process.

The Maryland Recovery Trauma IOP

The Maryland Recovery team understands the need for close individual counseling and a trauma-informed approach to substance abuse treatment. Many dual diagnosis patients do not receive effective substance abuse treatment and are more prone to relapsing than other rehab graduates. The risk of relapse is especially high for trauma survivors with substance abuse issues.

Our team takes a unique approach to outpatient treatment and offers flexible treatment schedules. Many people who have completed detox or even residential substance abuse programs find that our trauma intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides a more robust standard of care that few other facilities can provide.

Some of the therapies involved in our outpatient treatment program for trauma include:

• Custom treatment plans for each patient
• Group therapy options.
• Dual diagnosis treatment for addressing co-occurring mental health disorders
• Family-based counseling and education
• Coping skills counseling and relapse prevention
• Learning how to manage cravings and triggers
• Holistic therapies including yoga, acupuncture, meditation and more
• 12-step programs
• Several avenues for ongoing support in recovery

Overcoming trauma and substance abuse is possible with the right treatment plan. At Maryland Recovery, we know there is no one answer to dual diagnosis cases involving trauma, which is why we develop robust, individualized treatment plans for each and every patient.

Instead of risking rehab with an ineffective or incomplete treatment plan, come to Maryland Recovery for the individualized care you need to recover properly.

See More on Our Dual Diagnosis Program

The post Treatment for Trauma, Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Addiction appeared first on Maryland Recovery.

Substance abuse is at critical levels across the country, and many people of all age groups, income brackets, backgrounds and demographics have felt the effects of substance abuse at some point.

The millennial generation has grown up acutely aware of the potential harm drug abuse can cause, but they also face some of the highest risks of developing substance abuse issues thanks to the fast pace and high demands of everyday life.

Finding the best substance abuse treatment programs can seem like an insurmountable challenge for many young people struggling with addiction, but new forms of treatment could offer millennials the best chances to overcome substance abuse.

What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)?

Intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment is typically one of the best ways to overcome addiction, but a traditional recovery program may not work for everyone. IOPs provide a more intensive level of care than traditional outpatient programs.

Intensive outpatient recovery programs are highly specialized and work with different schedules. Some clients may choose to enter an IOP after a successful detox, or select it as the primary form of care. Others may choose an IOP as an aftercare program after successfully completing an inpatient addiction recovery program.

How Does IOP Treatment Work?

An intensive outpatient addiction program works differently than traditional residential programs. First of all, the patient is not required to live at the treatment facility for the duration of treatment. An IOP typically allows patients to return home after every session. Sessions usually last two to four hours per day, three days per week.

The main goal of any IOP treatment program is to teach people struggling with addiction how sobriety can fit into their lives. These programs teach the coping skills and strategies needed to manage cravings and prevent relapse, and they use scientifically proven methods for treating addiction in today’s younger generations.

The freedom to go about one’s regular life eases the stress of recovery and provides a sense of normalcy during a very difficult time. Patients in IOP treatment are free to carry on with school, work and other obligations of daily life with an ongoing support structure and easy access to resources and lifelines when needed.

Why Are IOPs Good for Millennials?

Millennials and younger generations are accustomed to flexibility and fast-paced lifestyles. For many millennials struggling with addiction, the thought of entering an inpatient or residential treatment program can feel like going to prison. While most inpatient recovery centers focus on patient comfort and recovery, they can still produce feelings of entrapment and isolation in young people accustomed to personal freedom.

An IOP fits into a person’s schedule when he or she needs it, and most IOP treatment services mirror those of typical inpatient recovery programs. For example, individual, group and family therapy sessions play crucial roles in both traditional inpatient programs and IOP treatment programs.

Millennials typically have very socially driven mindsets, and the isolation that may accompany a residential treatment program can make recovery more difficult. IOP opioid rehab and other IOP addiction treatment programs help young people stay engaged with their normal, everyday lives as they learn new strategies for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

A residential program may prove to be highly effective, but the isolation may make it very difficult to readjust to normal life after completing treatment. Meanwhile, an IOP aims to provide comprehensive addiction therapy with minimal disruption to everyday life.

Other Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment

Health insurance coverage is another major area of concern for young Americans today. Not every plan offers coverage for substance abuse treatment, and many plans only offer partial or minimal coverage. IOPs are generally more flexible with insurance than standard inpatient programs.

Some IOPs will also offer detox services to individuals at low risk of serious withdrawal symptoms. Other IOPs will refer prospective patients to detox facilities before admitting them into their program.

For example, IOP heroin treatment typically helps patients manage their cravings and develop coping strategies for living in sobriety. Heroin addiction often entails severe withdrawal symptoms, so an IOP may recommend that a prospective patient visit a reliable detox facility before being admitted into the IOP treatment program.

Specialized Treatment for Other Issues

Many people struggling with addiction also suffer from mental health issues, as well. These “dual diagnosis” cases require specialized treatment that addresses both issues at the same time.

In virtually every dual diagnosis case, substance abuse and mental health problems feed into one another, creating a powerful cycle of addiction. A dual diagnosis intensive outpatient program may involve standard IOP treatment services and referrals to mental health professionals.

Additionally, IOPs are fantastic as supplemental treatment and aftercare programs for “low-risk” patients, or patients who have already completed residential programs.

Why Choose the IOP at Maryland Recovery?

Maryland Recovery requires IOP applicants to complete a detox program before admission, and some applicants may need to complete a residential treatment program as well. There are many affordable alcohol rehab centers and other substance abuse treatment facilities in the area. We happen to work closely with a large network of professionals to refer patients to best possible care centers.

Once we determine an applicant has clinical preparation and feels internally motivated to complete our IOP program, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that offers a sense of normalcy and support in recovery.

Ultimately, IOP treatment aims to remove the shock of entering rehab and make the transition into recovery and sober living less jarring. Although IOPs are generally less restrictive than standard residential treatment programs, the standard of care remains constant. Patients can also expect the same quality of treatment as they would in typical inpatient programs.

Reach out to the Maryland Recovery team if you would like to learn more about our IOP treatment options.

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Recovery from Opiate Addiction: Detox Is the First Step

There are almost 2 million Americans struggling with opioid addictions. You are not just one in a sea of faces, however; you are an individual with unique needs and addiction treatment requirements.

It is possible to break the cycle of opioid addiction. It starts with medically assisted opioid detox, and then moves on to custom-tailored rehabilitation. Here’s your guide on what to expect during these processes.

First Step: Medically Assisted Detox

Medically assisted treatment, or MAT, is absolutely critical for successful opioid detox. Opioids/opiates include illicit drugs like heroin and opium, as well as opiate-based prescription drugs such as:

• Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)
• Hydromorphone
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Fentanyl
• Other Rx painkillers

Opioid dependency changes the fundamental functions of the brain and body. Quitting opioids cold turkey can be extremely harmful and even deadly.

It is very important that anyone wanting to recover from opioid addiction should start with medically assisted opioid detox. MAT helps control withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings in those detoxing from opioid addiction. MAT combines special detox-assisting medications with behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorders.

Certain detox medications have become central components of opiate detox, as well as for other types of drug addictions and even alcohol dependency. MAT is important for reducing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that could otherwise lead to relapse, such as nausea and anxiety.

MAT is not an addiction “cure” and does not ensure success. It does, however, greatly improve the odds of a successful and risk-free recovery. MAT is the best way to monitor a person’s health and safety during opiate withdrawal.

What to Expect During MAT for Opiate Addiction

To receive medically assisted detox, talk to a physician or treatment center that offers this service. A physician will supervise the MAT process at all times, and prescribe medications. After the initial physician consultation and evaluation, you will receive the appropriate medication or another therapy prescription.

At this point, you may have the option to either stay in a recovery home during detox or join an intensive outpatient drug program. The physician will recommend which would be best for you depending on your addiction and unique needs. MAT requires maintenance of medication administration, from the induction phase to the withdrawal phase. Going through these phases with physician supervision is vital to the overall health and safety of the patient.

No two addictions are the same. Your rehab experience can be altered according to:

• Your medical history
• Opiate abuse history
• The specific opiate used
• The physician supervising the treatment

More serious drugs such as heroin and Oxycontin may require more medical attention than those with less severe physical withdrawals. Relapse is very common in opioid addiction recovery, but going through the drug addiction detoxification process under supervision can help prevent relapse.

Second Step: Rehabilitation

Upon completion of the detox phase, the rehabilitation and recovery phases can begin. Completing each step in order is the best way to facilitate long-term addiction recovery. Detoxing first makes entering rehabilitation much easier, as the patient will be medically stable, with the opioids safely out of his or her system. Going through detox first can allow the patient to enter rehab with a clear mind and the foundation to make recovery last.

Rehabilitation is the phase in which a recovering person learns how to live a new life – a life without drugs. With a professional rehabilitation staff helping patients every step of the way, it’s easy to learn relapse prevention techniques and tools for coping with cravings. During rehab, an individual will learn how to deal with stressful or depressing situations in healthy ways during sobriety, instead of turning to opioids.

Rehabilitation, like detox, is not a magic solution. It is, however, an experience that can equip an individual with the skills to conquer lifelong addiction recovery.

During rehabilitation, you can learn healthy habits to fill your time and cope with pressures – habits such as yoga or meditation. These can become your go-to stress relievers instead of drugs. Rehabilitation is about healing the mind, body and spirit, as well as preparing for a fulfilling life of sobriety.

Third Step: Recovery

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Relapse will always be a possibility to an addicted person in recovery. It is how the person resists relapse that defines long-term recovery.

Even after the detox phase and acute withdrawals end, many in recovery experience a wide range of mild symptoms in the first months and even years of recovery – called protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). Without professional help, these symptoms can deter people during the first year of recovery.

PAWS can include:

• Impulsivity
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Opioid cravings

The presence of protracted withdrawal can lead to relapse if the patient isn’t aware of the syndrome and what to do about it. Recognizing and managing symptoms of PAWS is key. Symptoms connected specifically to opioids include fatigue, dysphoria (state of unease and dissatisfaction) and irritability.

People recovering from heroin dependency may also experience issues with executive control functions that can persist for months or years after the initial period of acute withdrawal. While not everyone experiences it, PAWS is a normal and expected part of recovery. It does not have to be your downfall.

Recovery centers can help clients get through protracted withdrawal through education, celebrating each accomplishment, and giving helpful advice. The recovery care program at Maryland Recovery includes unique methods to help patients cope with PAWS.

Opioid Addiction Rehab Options at Maryland Recovery

At Maryland Recovery, we offer a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) for opiate rehabilitation and recovery. Our PHP focuses specifically on dual diagnoses of mental health conditions as well as addiction. In this program, patients receive individualized opioid treatment daily, for several hours at a time. PHP treatment plans focus on the long term, addressing underlying mental health issues that contributed to the development of the opiate addiction.

The IOP is our premier program for opioid recovery care. It is a sought-after program for people all over the United States, especially those looking for recovery homes on the East Coast, because of our unique approach to outpatient care. In our IOP, patients in recovery reap the benefits of intensive outpatient treatment while living in a secure and comfortable recovery home. This combination has led to excellent results, helping patients understand what to expect regarding PAWS, cravings, relapse and issues in recovery.

With professionals guiding you through every step of recovery, you can tackle any complications that come your way. The Maryland Recovery IOP gives you the tools and ability to live a full life of sobriety.

If you’re worried about the risks of relapse or PAWS, we recommend enrolling in the IOP after detox. It’s the best way to receive as much professional treatment as you can get before returning to the outside world and practicing recovery strategies on your own. With this program, you have the best chance at making it through your first year sober – and the following years to come.

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Addiction affects every individual differently, and these differences may be medical or social in nature. Personalized, intentional treatment is needed to help patients break their addictions and live normal lives. This type of major recovery from addiction isn’t possible overnight. Comprehensive addiction treatment is needed to ensure a loved one stays sober for good.

The combination of intensive outpatient treatment and recovery community living offers unique advantages for those struggling with addiction. In many cases, this approach to therapy offers a more reliable, cost-effective and insurance-friendly option compared to traditional inpatient models. Learn more about this treatment format so you can make the right recovery decision for yourself or a loved one.

What Does an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program Look Like?

For many individuals, starting treatment can be incredibly difficult. Going from an environment filled with drugs and temptation to living in a safe and sobriety-focused community can be a major change.

Unfortunately, insurance companies usually only cover inpatient treatment plans for a few weeks, if at all. This is hardly enough time for effective treatment. Thankfully, help is available through addiction recovery homes that are connected to partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). These programs usually last longer than the typical 30 days, and they happen to be more insurance friendly.

Recovery housing accommodations provide those who want to get help with regular therapy, training, education and encouragement through daily visits to a treatment facility. The recovery community also provides these individuals with a peaceful, distraction-free environment to return to each night.

Living in Addiction Recovery Homes

What can individuals expect during their stay in a recovery community? Unlike in an inpatient program, a medical staff does not need to routinely monitor those in a recovery community. These clients are allowed to (and expected) to attend school, work a job or both.

Residents also have opportunities to engage with people going through similar challenges and attend recovery workshops or support meetings with their neighbors. This community aspect is an important part of what makes partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment in a recovery community so helpful for individuals trying to overcome addiction.

It is also important to note that in order to remain a resident in a recovery home community, patients must agree to refrain from using drugs or alcohol. They may also be expected to keep to a curfew, perform chores and submit to other occasional accountability checks to ensure that they are staying sober.

Treatment Options Available Through PHP and IOP

Patients in outpatient therapy typically have a number of personalized treatment options to choose from. The following are just a few of the treatment services available in most reputable PHPs and IOPs:

• Group and individual therapy
• Family education and therapy
• Relapse prevention skill-building
• Education on managing cravings and addiction triggers
• 12-step meeting attendance

Benefits of Outpatient Care and Relapse Prevention Education

Now you have a better idea of what goes on in recovery communities that partner with outpatient care programs. The advantages of this approach to recovery are uniquely beneficial for those who are serious about quitting their addictive lifestyles.

What can this combination of recovery services do together that makes them so effective? The following are just a few of the special benefits that come from bringing a community focused approach to outpatient therapy:

Reduced Rate of Relapse

Those who attempt to quit substance use and acclimate to regular life without help quickly find themselves at a high risk for relapse. That could be part of the reason that the rate of multiple relapses in some individuals is so high.

Receiving outpatient recovery treatment (through a PHP or IOP) while living in a recovery home provides more structure and additional education as individuals learn to adapt back to their normal lives, especially if the program is longer. This extra guidance goes a long way toward limiting a person’s chances for falling prey to a relapse.

Greater Mastery of Recovery Skills

Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to unlearning habits during addiction that now put a person’s sobriety at risk. The support provided by outpatient therapy connected to a recovery community gives individuals ample opportunity to learn and practice relapse prevention skills.

Lifelong Support System

Those who have been through the pain and loss felt in addiction can offer a unique type of help and support those who are still struggling to get sober. Individuals living in a recovery home will have abundant time to make connections with other people who are dealing with similar issues.

The bonds made during this time can be life-saving down the road. Friends made during outpatient therapy and in recovery homes make the perfect sponsors and accountability partners to those who have completed treatment and returned home to daily life.

Addiction Recovery Is Possible

There’s no point in trying the same approach to addiction recovery if you keep seeing the same negative outcomes. This includes those who have gone to an inpatient program and not found the results they were looking for. Everyone needs to walk their own path to sobriety by figuring out which treatment styles are most effective in addressing their personal addiction problem.

Maryland Recovery’s model of treatment places patients in recovery housing in Bel Air, MD and allows them to progress through our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. We deliver all treatment at our outpatient facility in downtown Bel Air.

We offer our treatment and recovery housing accommodations for up to 90 days, which gives patients a higher chance of achieving long-term sobriety. Learn more about the first phase our program by clicking below.

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How Long Do Alcohol Anxiety Symptoms Last? Unique Timelines in Prolonged, Protracted Withdrawal

“Liquid courage” is an old phrase based on the idea that alcohol has the power to increase someone’s confidence, or at least help them forget their nerves. This idea is still popular today. The difference is that now we know just how destructive alcohol can be, especially when people use alcohol to make themselves feel better.

Abusing alcohol in this way becomes even more dangerous if a person is also dealing with a mental health issue like anxiety. Researchers have actually identified a strong link between those who experience anxiety disorders and those who abuse alcohol.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, close to 15 million Americans are currently dealing with an anxiety problem. Even worse, among those suffering from anxiety disorders, about 1 in 5 also struggle with alcohol abuse.

With mental health and substance abuse becoming a larger part of the national health conversation, it is important that we start talking about the relationship between alcohol and anxiety. This post aims to explain how these common health problems are linked and provide support for people who are looking to make a change for the better.

Understanding Alcoholism and Anxiety

Anxiety disorders, especially those revolving around social settings, can be extremely debilitating. That’s why it’s no surprise that those who feel uncomfortable around other people turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication.

It is important to note, however, that drinking during social gatherings is not itself a sign of alcoholism or an anxiety disorder. Still, the line between a quick drink while socializing after work and a toxic relationship between anxiety and alcohol consumption is quite blurry.

The interaction between these two behaviors is what will ultimately determine if a person is dealing with one or more debilitating disorders. In some cases, individuals have reported developing anxiety symptoms after developing a problem with alcohol.

It is clear that the two problems often share a chicken-or-the-egg relationship, so interactions between alcohol and anxiety must be treated with caution.

A Vicious Cycle

Dangerous interactions between anxiety and alcohol abuse typically begin when a person chooses to drink alcohol in order to help manage their nerves, fears or expectations. This may take the form of “pre-gaming” before a big party or having a shot or two before a blind date. If the individual person feels positive results from such actions, he or she may turn drinking before social settings into a routine.

Before long, the person may no longer even enjoy the time they spend with friends unless alcohol is involved. The individual soon starts drinking just to “feel normal” and make it through the day.

When this individual does not have access to alcohol, their anxiety symptoms feel more extreme than ever. The added stress caused by not performing their routine (or, in advanced stages, the painful symptoms of withdrawal) provide even more encouragement to the individual to keep drinking.

This vicious cycle leads those with anxiety problems to drink heavily until their tolerance increases, forcing them to drink more and more alcohol to manage their anxiety, in addition to a long list of other potentially harmful symptoms.

The Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

While the earliest stages of the withdrawal process may simply involve heightened anxiety or mental fatigue, it’s only a matter of time before the absence of alcohol causes severe physical symptoms. That is because regular consumption of alcohol leads the human body to become dependent on the substance.

Eventually, this growing dependence leads to a set of symptoms called acute alcohol withdrawal. At this stage, problem drinkers begin to experience painful symptoms and increased anxiety just hours after they put the bottle down.

The timeline of symptoms characterized by acute alcohol withdrawal looks like this:

• 8 hours since last drink: Individuals experience vomiting, muscle weakness, physical exhaustion, lack of appetite, stomach pain and alcohol withdrawal headaches.
• 24 hours since last drink: Individuals experience spikes in blood pressure, elevated body temperature, changes in mood, aggression and difficulty breathing.
• 72 hours and beyond: Individuals may experience more extreme, life-threatening symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations and delirium.

The life-threatening symptoms associated with acute withdrawal emphasizes not only how deadly a mixture of alcohol and anxiety can be, but also how necessary professional help is when dealing with a loved one who has abused alcohol over an extended period of time.

Even if they are able to survive the dangerous withdrawal process, alcohol addicts must still deal with post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) as they work toward a life of sobriety.

PAWS and Anxiety

The longer and more severe an individual’s abusive relationship with alcohol, the more likely he or she will experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as a prolonged or protracted alcohol withdrawal period.

In these cases, an individual experiences the many painful and inconvenient symptoms of acute withdrawal syndrome long after he or she has gone through the process of alcohol detoxification and abstinence. Unfortunately, PAWS can last for months or years.

Anxiety disorders have been recognized as a common contributing factor in cases where recovering alcoholics experience PAWS. This trend points toward the need for personalized, ongoing recovery care for patients who are dealing with a mixture of anxiety and long-term alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Exploring Long-Term Alcoholism Recovery

Considering the long-term effects of alcoholism, it’s not surprising that many individuals struggle to find success in recovery programs that are only designed to last a month or two. A handful of weeks is simply not enough to support a person whose recovery battle will likely take more than a year.

This goes double for those struggling with anxiety, as their mental health symptoms could easily become triggers for alcohol abuse during their sobriety.

The solution? Personalized, alcohol-specific treatment that is available as long as the individual continues to struggle with sobriety. This approach, which prioritizes the patient’s health needs over achieving short-term success, has helped many to find peace in sobriety, even those dealing with anxiety as well.

Treatment for Alcoholism and Anxiety

Where does a person go for alcoholism and anxiety treatment? Those struggling with these two problems will likely need ongoing help to get through recovery, so it makes sense to seek out a treatment facility that can meet those needs.

Maryland Recovery offers this type of support through its partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Partial hospitalization is ideal for patients who have recently completed detox treatment and possibly are still dealing with harsh symptoms of acute withdrawal.

Furthermore, intensive outpatient treatment puts ongoing support in the hands of recovering alcoholics while also allowing them the freedom to attend work or school.

Transitioning back into everyday life without relapsing is very difficult, especially if the individual is expected to handle it all at once. The first year is often the most difficult part of the recovery process, as the threat of PAWS is still active, so it’s critical that those struggling get support during these trying times.

Want to know more about personalized, long-term recovery and care? Need to know how Maryland Recovery can help you or a loved one overcome anxiety problems and alcohol addiction? Keep exploring our website or contact us directly for answers to your recovery questions.

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Maryland Dual Diagnosis Program

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Opioid addiction is a sweeping epidemic that affects more than 2 million Americans each year. The problem has gotten so dire that the United States government has declared the prevalence of opioid addiction to be a national public health emergency.

With opioid addiction squarely in the national spotlight, more people are talking about substance use disorder and recovery. Unfortunately, outdated or ineffective ideas about treatment dominate much of that conversation. It is vital that the national conversation about substance abuse recovery become more educated and nuanced if we hope to see relief from the national opioid addiction problem.

The first step to addressing the opioid epidemic is to analyze the current national conversation about addiction recovery. Next, exploring constructive alternatives to the status quo reveals new solutions to addiction’s toughest questions. Finally, this post will outline how those struggling with addiction and their family members should approach long-term recovery.

Ultimately, the rising rate of opioid addiction and relapse reflects the limitation of one-size-fits-all addiction treatment. Patients need the type of dedicated, long-term recovery that won’t be covered by a week- or even month-long stay in a treatment center. Those struggling with substance abuse require, and deserve, the full continuum of care.

Understanding the Need for Specialized Addiction Treatment

Why have opioid and other drug addictions turned into a national crisis? A fair share of the blame can be pointed at the slow development of recovery strategies. Even worse, many of those struggling with substance abuse disorders have been hesitant about undergoing treatment for years.

These are just a few of the negative side effects of the larger stigma surrounding substance use disorder and the individuals in recovery. Even worse, these cultural ideas about substance abuse and those who struggle with the disorder run deep in our medical field.

The end result? Many still consider addiction treatment to be a fringe element in the health care industry. Many hospitals have no resources for providing an individual with long-term care. Some may even go out of their way to get those suffering from withdrawal or other addiction-related symptoms out of their doors as quickly as possible.

Few modern health professionals have been adequately trained to help patients recover from addiction for good. The aversion toward addiction-related matters has made it even more important for those struggling to get connected with specialized doctors and therapists who want to work with recovering patients.

Historical Attitudes Toward Addiction Recovery Treatment

In addition to a shortage of addiction specialists, negative ideas about drug recovery have also led to a culture of treatment that seeks to get people in and out of care as quickly as possible. Consider how many of today’s substance abuse treatment plans are structured:

Short Inpatient Programs

The most common treatment plans are 30-day inpatient programs, which host the patient for four weeks (or fewer), provide them with medically guided detox, and offer therapy to help guide patients back toward a life of sobriety.

The reality is, however, that most patients will not receive the full level of encouragement, skill training and emotional support they need to avoid relapse in the future. It’s worth pointing out that the 30-day “standard,” while it has its advantages, has risen to prominence according to what most insurance companies cover, not by clinical research.

Outpatient Treatment that Misses the Mark

Also common is outpatient therapy, which offers much of the same educational opportunities as inpatient care but does not provide patients with a safe place to develop a plan for extended recovery.

Many are attracted to this type of treatment because it allows them to continue going to work or school instead of explaining a 30-day absence. While this approach does provide more freedom to the patient as he or she deals with the challenges of recovery, it actually moves further away from the long-term care approach most patients desperately need.

Programs Too Reliant on Medication

Unfortunately, more and more physicians and programs are relying too heavily on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This approach basically amounts to treating addiction from an office setting by prescribing drugs that offset addiction symptoms. If this approach seems counterproductive, then it is because, for many patients, this strategy creates more problems than it solves.

For some, MAT-only programs mean that they won’t have access to group therapy and they will have limited options for community support. MAT also puts more burden on the patient to control their drug use without providing additional tools or resources. Is it any wonder that this approach may not read to lasting results?

MAT is only effective when part of a larger treatment approach that includes ample therapeutic and supportive services.

Many Americans, especially those with loved ones struggling with addiction, already know that the three strategies we just covered have their limitations. If they didn’t, the country wouldn’t be in the midst of an addiction health crisis. So what does effective health care for substance abuse disorder really look like?

No Quick Fixes: The Need for a Continuum of Care

The most effective, specialized programs have been known to last for years, or at least several months. This strategy allows those in recovery sufficient time to:

• Go through detox
• Receive a medically sound treatment plan from an experienced physician
• Create a network of fellow recovering addicts
• Participate in group and individual therapy
• Identify addiction triggers
• Practice relapse avoidance scenarios
• Develop new skills or hobbies
• Fully repair bodily harm done by having an addict’s lifestyle

The fact of the matter is, however, that insurance companies still recognize the 30-day standard as sufficient treatment for addiction. If patients and their families wish to develop a long-term continuum of care, they can only rely on traditional treatment strategies to do so much.

Outlining the Continuum of Addiction Care

So what does a comprehensive, effective and long-term continuum of care look like? Many stops along this continuum overlap directly with other treatment strategies. The main difference? The idea that rehab is an extended process, not a program to get through as quickly as possible, is what guides patients along a safe and effective continuum of care.

Medical experts recognize treatment as a resource, not the cure itself. Nonetheless, here’s a quick breakdown of a nuanced, long-term addiction recovery plan:

Detox

Most drug addictions cause significant chemical changes in the body. When a patient stops using and begins treatment, this quick shift in body chemistry can result in dangerous (sometimes even deadly) symptoms.

A medically guided detox program ensures that these drugs leave the system safely and that observing physicians can prescribe life-saving medication during this process if necessary. Detox typically takes anywhere from five days to two weeks.

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Residential or inpatient treatment is synonymous with the standard 30-day model that most of us are used to talking about. More often than not, these facilities have the resources necessary to perform medically guided detox and will do so before admitting a new patient.

Once detox is complete, patients will go through an entire curriculum that lasts the length of their stay and includes many of the treatment strategies mentioned above. In theory, residential treatment is meant to prepare patients for starting a new life of sobriety once their 30-day stay has reached an end.

Extended Care Residential Treatment

Residential inpatient treatment plays an important role in a person’s recovery, but it is only one stop along the continuum of care. Most, if not all, individuals coming out of a 30-day program will struggle to change their entire lives at the drop of a hat.

Old habits are hard to break, especially the daily lifestyle choices that were once associated with drug abuse. An extended residential care program continues the inpatient treatment an individual received during their first 30 days and provides structured opportunities to practice those skills.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Returning to work or school is part of recovery. However, just because a person is ready to get back to the office doesn’t mean that their addiction struggle has come to an end. Partial hospitalization care involves receiving treatment in a recovery house setting, which allows more freedom to patients while they undergo up to 30 hours of therapy each week.

Intensive outpatient care allows patients to move back into their homes while also receiving up to 15 hours of weekly care during the evenings. At this point along the continuum, the needs of the patient will determine the next steps. The more success a patient shows, the further along the continuum of care they can progress.

Long-Term Personal Goal Development

The final step of any recovery program should be for the individual to develop a goal for sobriety. This goal may be related to career development or a personal accomplishment. Others focus on their families and how their recovery can support others or heal a damaged relationship.

Ultimately, those in recovery should develop a long-term personal goal that can only become a reality through sobriety. This goal plays an important role in motivating individuals to stay disciplined and sober, especially if the life skills they learn in recovery help contribute toward their goal.

Essential Long-Term Recovery Strategies

Just because an individual has graduated from sober living care and outpatient treatment does not mean that the battle is over. That’s why the support of family and friends is so critical once a loved one returns home. The continuum of care now depends on their combined efforts.

Here are a few important examples of what the continuum of care will look like once a patient has returned home and started a new life of sobriety:

Family Engagement

Families have two very important roles to play when a loved one returns home from treatment: First and foremost, they must provide a sympathetic support system that encourages the individual to keep fighting when he or she feels overwhelmed. A loving family is great motivation to stay sober.

And second, families must learn to avoid any “enabling” behaviors. Enabling refers to any action or behavior – direct or indirect – that makes it easier for a loved one to keep using drugs or alcohol.

Accountability via Drug Testing

Drug testing can (and should) become part of a family’s weekly or monthly routine. Periodic and random drug tests encourage the family member to stay sober and create opportunities to build trust between family members.

Some may feel a bit uncomfortable overseeing a loved one’s drug test, but this level of accountability is absolutely necessary, especially in the first few months after a loved one has returned home from treatment.

Attending Meetings

Alcohol Anonymous and other meeting groups provide additional resources, accountability and emotional support for those going through recovery. Furthermore, adding a new routine can subconsciously encourage an individual to develop other new lifestyle habits that will help them stay sober.

The most important aspect of these meetings is that there is always one available. Many attend meetings for decades, reinforcing the idea that the continuum of care shouldn’t be limited to 30 days of treatment.

Begin the Continuum of Care Today

Death rates related to addiction in this country are on the rise. Opioid addiction continues to tear families apart. A big part of the problem is that most people aren’t being provided with the help they need. Even worse, families are getting inconsistent information on how they can help guide a loved one into treatment.

That’s why it makes sense to get in touch with addiction recovery specialists as soon as you suspect a loved one is headed down the road to addiction. No one has to do it alone.

Need more information about addiction recovery or have questions about addiction signs and symptoms? Continue exploring our blog for the latest addiction recovery strategies and news.

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The post The Best Addiction Treatment Should Include a Long-Term Continuum of Addiction Care appeared first on Maryland Recovery.